Prize and Prejudice

Gill Sahab:

Very interesting article. I have been wondering about the injustice to Einstein( for thirty years) who could be the first physicist less than tentyfive years old (in hindsight) had the prejudice against theoretical physics in Sweden not played such a dominant role. Partly it is understandable because science has been identified rather closely with experimental findings and the intellectual level of physicists in 1900-1910 was not high enough to appreciate Einstein. Inspite of my predilection for theoetical physics and Relativity, even over Quantum Mechanics, I acknowledge that the real test of any theory is to be obtained and determined by experimental confirmation. Without experimental corroboration any theory is merely speculation no matter how beautiful.

The fact that the Nobel Committee was unable to properly assess the importance of Einstein`s work early enough indicates the myopia of the Committee governed by the statement from Nobel`s Will quoted by you. Furthermore, the Nobel Prize itself never had/has the stature of Einstein. It took the elevation of the Nobel Prize itself to honor Einstein.

By the way Einstein had secretly acknowledged that the work on Photoelectric Effect was done by his wife and published in his name due to stupid prejudice against women scientists that was prevalent at that time in the world.

Curiously, as it turns out the Nobel Prizes for both Indians, viz., Raman and Tagore turn out to be for the reasons of elimination of unacceptable people in the Western World.

The Chowk is lucky to have a person of your energy working for it. Keep up the good work.

Gill Sahab:

Very interesting article. I have been wondering about the injustice to Einstein( for thirty years) who could be the first physicist less than tentyfive years old (in hindsight) had the prejudice against theoretical physics in Sweden not played such a dominant role. Partly it is understandable because science has been identified rather closely with experimental findings and the intellectual level of physicists in 1900-1910 was not high enough to appreciate Einstein. Inspite of my predilection for theoetical physics and Relativity, even over Quantum Mechanics, I acknowledge that the real test of any theory is to be obtained and determined by experimental confirmation. Without experimental corroboration any theory is merely speculation no matter how beautiful.

The fact that the Nobel Committee was unable to properly assess the importance of Einstein`s work early enough indicates the myopia of the Committee governed by the statement from Nobel`s Will quoted by you. Furthermore, the Nobel Prize itself never had/has the stature of Einstein. It took the elevation of the Nobel Prize itself to honor Einstein.

By the way Einstein had secretly acknowledged that the work on Photoelectric Effect was done by his wife and published in his name due to stupid prejudice against women scientists that was prevalent at that time in the world.

Curiously, as it turns out the Nobel Prizes for both Indians, viz., Raman and Tagore turn out to be for the reasons of elimination of unacceptable people in the Western World.

The Chowk is lucky to have a person of your energy working for it. Keep up the good work.

I think Einstien was unjustly treated because of the two nations theory.

Gill Sahab:

Very interesting article. I have been wondering about the injustice to Einstein( for thirty years) who could be the first physicist less than tentyfive years old (in hindsight) had the prejudice against theoretical physics in Sweden not played such a dominant role. Partly it is understandable because science has been identified rather closely with experimental findings and the intellectual level of physicists in 1900-1910 was not high enough to appreciate Einstein. Inspite of my predilection for theoetical physics and Relativity, even over Quantum Mechanics, I acknowledge that the real test of any theory is to be obtained and determined by experimental confirmation. Without experimental corroboration any theory is merely speculation no matter how beautiful.

The fact that the Nobel Committee was unable to properly assess the importance of Einstein`s work early enough indicates the myopia of the Committee governed by the statement from Nobel`s Will quoted by you. Furthermore, the Nobel Prize itself never had/has the stature of Einstein. It took the elevation of the Nobel Prize itself to honor Einstein.

By the way Einstein had secretly acknowledged that the work on Photoelectric Effect was done by his wife and published in his name due to stupid prejudice against women scientists that was prevalent at that time in the world.

Curiously, as it turns out the Nobel Prizes for both Indians, viz., Raman and Tagore turn out to be for the reasons of elimination of unacceptable people in the Western World.

The Chowk is lucky to have a person of your energy working for it. Keep up the good work.

Gill Sahab:

Very interesting article. I have been wondering about the injustice to Einstein( for thirty years) who could be the first physicist less than tentyfive years old (in hindsight) had the prejudice against theoretical physics in Sweden not played such a dominant role. Partly it is understandable because science has been identified rather closely with experimental findings and the intellectual level of physicists in 1900-1910 was not high enough to appreciate Einstein. Inspite of my predilection for theoetical physics and Relativity, even over Quantum Mechanics, I acknowledge that the real test of any theory is to be obtained and determined by experimental confirmation. Without experimental corroboration any theory is merely speculation no matter how beautiful.

The fact that the Nobel Committee was unable to properly assess the importance of Einstein`s work early enough indicates the myopia of the Committee governed by the statement from Nobel`s Will quoted by you. Furthermore, the Nobel Prize itself never had/has the stature of Einstein. It took the elevation of the Nobel Prize itself to honor Einstein.

By the way Einstein had secretly acknowledged that the work on Photoelectric Effect was done by his wife and published in his name due to stupid prejudice against women scientists that was prevalent at that time in the world.

Curiously, as it turns out the Nobel Prizes for both Indians, viz., Raman and Tagore turn out to be for the reasons of elimination of unacceptable people in the Western World.

The Chowk is lucky to have a person of your energy working for it. Keep up the good work.

Excellent article. Looked like a fairy tale.

Early 20th century was the era of quantum physics and it resulted in so many geniuses. It is quite normal to have difference of ideas and research approach among genius people. Best thing in pure sciences is that it can be proved and when it is proved, scientific people (have to) accept it or prove it wrong logically(mathematically). Unlike Social sciences where there is no agreement even on basic concepts. May be, social sciences needs to be ``mathematized``.

An interesting and good article.

Nobel committe is not always perfect. There were other notable exceptions too. Gandhi/Nehru for Peace prize, Salk for Medicine come to my mind..

Thanks,
Avkrishna